I almost forgot that I promised one more update on the "final" additions to Ansel.
"Final" is in quotes because I still need to build the upper cabinets in the galley area and at the foot of the bed, as well as complete some trim. I also have a "punch list" of miscellaneous, mostly small items that I want to do. This includes rebuilding the galley drawers and replacing the drawer slides at some point (I wasn't happy with how the drawers turned out...the drawer slides were cheap-a**, and I did a real hack job on the drawers themselves). And no doubt, I will likely be continually tweaking and modifying things as time goes on. So as they say, "It's a work in progress"!
Bottom line, the van was very functional on Ansel's inaugural trip, and everything worked extremely well. I was especially pleased with the electrical system, which functioned as designed, perhaps even better. The only real issue I had was the latch on the door under the bed that opens to the garage. It's a long story, but after several iterations, I think I finally have the problem licked.
Since the inaugural trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a couple National Forests in North Carolina (see blog), I took one quick overnight trip to Tawas State Park. I'm hoping to get a couple more overnight winter trips in (yes, it does get cold in the van, but my zero degree sleeping bag works amazingly well), and then some 2-3 night trips in the spring and summer of next year. After that, my next big trip will be to NW New Mexico, including Bisti Badlands/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area, Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Area, and Lybrook Badlands. I really excited for this. Anyone want to meet me there??
With that, I'll leave you with a bunch of photos of the "final" additions to the van, including a few I've made in the past couple weeks.
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| The refrigerator cabinet with new knife holder on the back side of the butcher block top (I didn't like how they were rattling around in the drawer) |
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I posted a picture previously of the butcher block cutting board but this one shows the new knife holder.
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The lower galley cabinets.
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Galley countertop -- custom-built from scrap oak I had. I used epoxy dyed black to fill in the knot holes and cracks. Turned out really cool! Note the area above where the upper galley cabinets will go. Also need to add trim on either side of window area.
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Cushions on the "guest bench" thanks to MJ's sewing proficiencies!
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Birds-eye view of the two bench seats with the pull-out table extended.
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Wide view looking back towards bed (I know, bed spread doesn't match the color scheme...hoping for a new one for Christmas!) Note TV at left (I watched a few movies on my trip, plus I was able to use it for photo editing from my laptop). Area at upper left above bed is where the bedroom cabinets will go.
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Wide-view looking from bed towards front of van. Note the curtain to right of the passenger's seat. I can pull this across the cab area for privacy.
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Since the van is to facilitate my photography adventures, I figured I needed one of my photos on the wall! This one is from my 2020 Utah trip. The exposed white metal will eventually get covered with trim.
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Garage view.
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"Secret" compartment under driver's side bench to store extra camera equipment, laptop and other valuables while I'm away from the van. (Shhh, don't tell anyone!) Eventually I will add a hidden lock.
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The toilet will be located under the bench on the passenger's side. Since I've pulled the toilet for the winter, it's just being used for storage right now, which includes the ever-important, back-up emergency sh*t bucket!
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